Test Drive Threat

Test Drive Threat

Scene of the crime: Carnappers pose as buyers who will test drive the car you’re selling--and later steal it at gunpoint. 

Plan of attack: Faux buyers respond to your "car for sale" ad and ask for a test drive. So, of course, you accompany them. Later, they drive the car to a secluded area where they force you out at gunpoint. Talk about seller’s remorse.

Defense mechanism: To avoid this carnapping trap, it’s best to let a seasoned used car dealer handle the sale, says Top Gear associate features editor Dinzo Tabamo. If you want to sell the vehicle yourself, Tabamo suggests you dictate the test driving route and bring along one or two companions. If the "buyers" balk at this, then you should refuse to let them take your car for a ride. We also suggest discreetly taking photos of all potential buyers before you go on a test drive. This way, if they turn out to be thieves, you’d have something the police could use to hunt them down.

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